APRN Guides

Pursuing an advanced nursing career is challenging, but there is a wealth of scholarship opportunities, professional associations, salary guides, and more to help aspiring APRNs. Check out our authoritative resource guides below.

Using AI in Healthcare: An NP’s Perspective

September 4, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

The emergence of AI in healthcare has been revolutionary. It has reshaped the way patients are diagnosed, treated, and monitored. This technology even improves healthcare research and outcomes by yielding more accurate diagnoses which leads to more personalized treatments.

The Growing Demand for PMHNPs in Mental Health

August 24, 2023 – Nina Chamlou

As of 2021, more than one in five American adults have some kind of mental illness. The good news is that people are seeking help from mental health professionals in greater numbers than in years past, with more than half (56 percent) of Americans seeking or wanting to seek mental health services for themselves or a loved one.

Working as a Nurse Practitioner Abroad: A Travel NP’s Guide

August 21, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Countries with opportunities for NPs to practice are the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Other countries starting to utilize NPs but still working on defining the scope of practice include Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, and Iceland.

An NP’s Perspective on the Benefits of Acupuncture

August 17, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Since acupuncture embraces optimal wellness, it prevents people from having to take medication or undergo invasive medical procedures. It can support better immune and nervous system function. As a result, the body is more inclined to heal naturally when illness or injury occurs.

The Need for More NPs in Research

August 7, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

NPs are assisting, conducting, and leading research efforts, but progress in this area has not been as rapid as it has been in others. Significant barriers exist at the regulatory and institutional levels. A general lack of awareness and resources act as additional hurdles. But America needs more NPs involved in research, and more can be done to support them.

Five Steps to Creating NP Work-Life Balance

July 17, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

The first step would be for the NP to decompress and spend time outside of work to be physically active or engage in their hobbies. The next steps would be enforcing time management and setting boundaries at home and work. Finally, practicing in a healthcare setting with a positive work culture is essential in counteracting burnout.

Guide to Nurse Practitioner Fellowships & Residencies (2023-2024)

June 28, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

Often, the first few months out of school and in the workforce are the most difficult for a nurse practitioner, who in some settings may be expected to perform as many as 80 percent of the same duties a physician would. Fellowships and residencies smooth the transition, offering extra hands-on experience and allowing for further specialization.

A Guide to Finding an NP Preceptor

June 26, 2023 – Sophia Khawly, MSN

Fortunately, some schools match their students with a local preceptor. If the future NPs school does not offer this benefit, the student may find their preceptor through work, networking, or cold calling. Nowadays, several companies even match NP students with a preceptor for a small fee.

Expert Analysis: A Guide to NP Insurance Reimbursements

June 19, 2023 – Kimmy Gustafson

Nurse practitioners are educated and trained to perform many of the same job duties as physicians, including physical examinations, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medications, managing a patient's overall health, and acting as primary care providers. However, despite the quality of care and level of expertise being equal, nurse practitioners are not reimbursed by insurance at the same rate as physicians.

Increasing Diversity in the Nurse Practitioner Workforce

June 14, 2023 – Matt Zbrog

Despite fostering an inclusive approach to care, the nursing workforce still needs to work on its own homogeneity. According to the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey, over 80 percent of nurses identified as white, and over 90 percent identified as female. While the survey found an increase in minority representation from 2017, the figures are still some of the most slanted of any profession.